This "Studies in Theology" session, "The Doctrine of the Father," is the twelfth installment in the series, continuing the exploration of Christian doctrine guided by the statement of faith. The series emphasizes that doctrine is "warm and living and vital and absolutely necessary" to the Christian walk, as Paul exhorted Timothy to "take heed unto thyself and unto the doctrine" (1 Timothy 4:16). Previous sessions covered the introduction to theology, the existence of God, a three-part series on the Trinity, a two-part series on the Doctrine of Scripture, and a four-part series on the Attributes of God.
A crucial point reiterated is that the attributes of God apply equally to each member of the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—in full measure, without bound. This understanding is essential before discussing the individual persons of the Godhead.
Article Three of the statement of faith outlines belief in God the Father as an "infinite personal spirit, perfect in holiness, wisdom, power, and love," who mercifully involves Himself in human affairs, answers prayer, and saves those who come to Him through Christ.
The session particularly emphasizes the roles (or "economies") of God the Father, which distinguish Him from the Son and Holy Spirit, despite their shared attributes:
• Generation: All life originates from the Father; He has life in Himself and has given the Son to have life in Himself.
• Representing the Trinity in Deliberation: The Father acts as the spokesman in the rare instances when the Trinity confers, as seen in "Let us make man in our image" (Genesis 1:26).
• Creation: He is the source or fountainhead of creation, with the Son as the instrument and the Spirit manifesting God's presence.
• Election: The idea of providing eternal life to fallen humanity originates with God the Father, who architected the plan of redemption and purposed to save all who come to Christ.
• Calling: The Father takes the initiative in calling man to repentance and eternal life, an act of His deliberate personal will and good pleasure.
• Providence: He provides for every need, giving the Son for salvation and bestowing the gift of the Kingdom.
God is referred to as Father in several senses:
• Father of all creation: Including the "father of lights" (stars) and angels.
• Father of Israel: Corporately, as His firstborn son.
• Father of the King: Referring to earthly kings like David and Solomon.
• Father of all mankind by creation, though not all are in active relationship due to sin.
• Father of redeemed humanity: Through adoption, allowing believers to cry "Abba, Father".
• Father of a unique man: Jesus Christ, His "only begotten" (special/unique) Son, who has a distinct relationship and co-equality in the Trinity.
The characteristics of God the Father include His providential care (knowing His children's needs, tenderly providing, chastening them for growth), and His authority. True authority, as modeled by the Father, does not need to overtly demonstrate or assert itself; instead, it is perfectly content serving and promoting others.
Our proper response to God the Father involves:
• An intimate and loving relationship ("Abba, Father").
• Taking comfort in His active involvement in every detail of our lives.
• A call to submission, understanding that Christ Himself eternally submitted to the Father in role, though equal in essence, nature, and attributes (a concept known as complimentarianism). This is a pattern for our families and the body of Christ.
• Emulating His exercise of authority, using power for the good and promotion of others rather than self.
The relatively less frequent explicit mention of God the Father in theological studies, compared to the Son and Holy Spirit, is presented as an illustration of His nature: true authority does not need to advertise itself. He is depicted as a strong, powerful, smiling, loving Father whose good pleasure is to give us the Kingdom.